National Register Listing

Grand Union Hotel

a.k.a. Stagecoach Inn Museum

51 Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park, CA
Local significance of the building:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

transportation architecture inns, hotels, motels
California was the site of the nation's first successful oil well in 1892. The well was drilled in the city of Los Angeles and produced about 25 barrels of oil a day. Today, California remains a major oil-producing state.
California random facts
Ventura County, located on the southern coast of California, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The region was occupied by Native American tribes such as the Chumash and Gabrielino for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In the late 18th century, Spanish missionaries began establishing missions in the area, including Mission San Buenaventura, which was founded in 1782 and remains a prominent historical landmark today.

After the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century, California came under Mexican rule, and Ventura County became a part of it. However, in 1848, the region's fate changed with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War and ceded California to the United States. Ventura County experienced an influx of settlers during the California Gold Rush, leading to the establishment of agricultural communities and the growth of the local economy.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant developments in Ventura County. The arrival of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1880s played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation, stimulating further economic growth. The county's agricultural sector flourished, with crops like lemons, citrus fruits, and avocados becoming major exports. The oil industry also became a prominent feature of Ventura County's economy, attracting companies such as Standard Oil and Union Oil.

In the post-World War II era, Ventura County experienced rapid population growth and urban development. The construction of a highway system brought new residents and businesses to the area, leading to the establishment of cities like Ventura, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks. Today, Ventura County is known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, vibrant agricultural industry, and a diverse blend of urban and rural communities. The county continues to evolve and thrive while preserving its deep historical roots.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ventura County, California.

  • 1873 - Ventura County is established as a separate county from Santa Barbara County.
  • 1874 - San Buenaventura becomes the county seat.
  • 1887 - The Southern Pacific Railroad arrives in Ventura County, leading to increased growth and development.
  • 1903 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1928 - The construction of the Matilija Dam begins, which eventually leads to the creation of Lake Casitas.
  • 1937 - Channel Islands National Park is established, including several islands off the coast of Ventura County.
  • 1957 - The Conejo Valley Unified School District is formed, serving the cities of Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.
  • 1967 - The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is dedicated in Simi Valley.
  • 1971 - The community of Ojai becomes a National Historic Preservation District.
  • 1994 - The Northridge earthquake causes significant damage in Ventura County.
  • 2005 - The first commercial oil drilling in decades takes place in Ventura County.